Sheffield-based contractor and developer JF Finnegan, is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a move from their premises on Ecclesall Road where the company was formed in 1945 to new headquarters within one of the firm’s flagship regeneration projects, Wards Exchange.
JF Finnegan is one of Sheffield’s most respected businesses and has been responsible for some of the region’s most significant regeneration projects including; Sheffield Parkway Business Park, Commercial Street offices, Wards Exchange, Butcher Works, Beighton Link, the award-winning Charles St Q-Park ‘Cheesegrater’ and the innovative, highly sustainable Sheffield City College. JF Finnegan’s nationwide public and private sector contracts range from £1M to £50M and its award-winning development portfolio ranges from large residential schemes, to retail, industrial and business parks, hotels, educational facilities and heritage work.
Gary Smith took the helm as Managing Director at JF Finnegan in 2012 and this financial year, turnover is up £50M following the securing of several major and diverse contracts including Costco’s new/central 375,000sq.ft Northamptonshire distribution depot, 110 bed Mercure hotel in Edinburgh, 110 bed Hampton by Hilton hotel in Oxford, the Pearl Works student accommodation in Sheffield and the restoration of two historic mill buildings into 75,000 sq ft of new offices at Dean Clough in Halifax.
Gary comments; “Over the years JF Finnegan has evolved in accordance with the changing market conditions and in recent years our contractual business has accounted for a high percentage of the turnover by the capitalisation of new and emerging markets such as supermarkets, retail, education, hotel and waste facilities. We are incredibly proud of our standing legacy to Sheffield through the extensive development work we have undertaken and whilst our work takes us all over the country, we always get a lot of pride from contributing to the regeneration of South Yorkshire.”
JF Finnegan’s decision to move from its premises on Ecclesall Road was driven by the firm’s requirement for more modern office space and long-term plans to grow the business. The new offices are 1 mile further down Ecclesall Road within Wards Exchange, a 3.3 acre former brewery site which JF Finnegan brought back to life with 31,250 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation, 139 apartments and retail space.
Gary continues; “It was a difficult decision to leave the base where the company first began trading but we are entering an exciting new business phase and need to be practical about our operational requirements and the future aspirations of the company. We have always been fond of Wards Exchange as it is such a unique scheme with the ideal combination of heritage and purpose-built Grade A space. The whole team is excited about the move and we expect to be operational within our new offices by 1st September 2015.”
Looking to the future of JF Finnegan, the firm continues to focus on repeat business for its existing client base and creating new client relationships which will allow new opportunities. However, they are keen to develop their existing land ownership and will always consider acquiring new developments, as the property market has shown a steady increase in values recently.
A Garden party was held recently for all the staff to celebrate the 70th anniversary and the promising future.
